Wanli Seafood Market

About the Business

Tucked away on the bustling Wanli Seafood Market strip at 7762 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, this place isn’t just your average neighborhood seafood joint—it’s an experience. Step inside and you’re hit with the scent of the ocean, freshly caught and fiercely authentic. Unlike many spots that lean into modern interiors and Instagram aesthetics, Wanli keeps it real with tanks bubbling with live crab, clams, and lobsters right at the front. It’s a tell-tale sign that you’re about to eat seafood the way it should be: alive just moments before hitting your plate.

The first time I visited was during a rainy Saturday afternoon. Despite the weather, the parking lot was nearly full—a good sign. Inside, the staff greeted me with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from knowing their product speaks louder than words. I ordered the salt and pepper Dungeness crab, and while I waited, I chatted with a local who said he’s been coming here every other week for the past five years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come easy in a city where seafood joints are everywhere.

When the food arrived, the crab was golden, sizzling, and fragrant. The seasoning was perfect—bold but not overpowering, allowing the sweetness of the meat to shine through. Each bite had that snap of fresh shellfish, unmistakable to anyone who knows good seafood. What really stood out, though, was the wok hei—smoky breath-of-the-wok flavor that only skilled chefs can pull off. It’s the kind of detail that turns a decent meal into a memorable one.

What makes Wanli particularly interesting is how it manages to function both as a restaurant and a seafood supplier. If you’re in the mood to cook at home, you can handpick live seafood from their tanks. I’ve done this before, especially when planning a family hot pot night. Their pricing is fair—often better than what you’ll find at other markets in Seattle—and the staff is willing to give tips on how to prep and cook each item. It’s that hands-on, community-based vibe that makes it more than just a point_of_interest; it’s a cornerstone of local flavor.

Looking through online reviews, a recurring theme is consistency. Whether you visit on a weekday afternoon or a Sunday evening rush, quality stays top-tier. Some reviewers praise the stir-fried geoduck and the deep-fried smelt, dishes not always available elsewhere. Others mention the freshness of their scallops, often delivered straight from the boat to the tank. There’s an undercurrent of trust here, and it’s reflected in the loyalty of its customer base.

Not everything is perfect—parking can be tight during peak hours, and the place gets loud when it’s full. But these are signs of a spot that’s doing something right. In an industry where style often trumps substance, Wanli lets its food do the talking. From the skilled staff to the vibrant, noisy dining room filled with locals who know their seafood, it’s clear this isn’t just a location—it’s a culinary landmark for Seattle’s southeast neighborhoods.

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